Urban Planning

How to Rethink Urban Design in the Wake of Flooding

To prevent devastating floods, experts say, the region may need to adjust the way it grows.

Without Zoning, Equity in Houston Becomes More Complicated

Houston's lack of zoning creates a two-tiered system for land-use, critics argue.

Urban Planners and Public Health Experts Rarely Work Together. That's a Problem.

Experts from the two fields are starting to collaborate -- but not nearly enough.

What If Houston Fell in Love With Planning?

Can a booming city known for laissez-faire zoning become a U.S. model for equitable urban growth?

Space City: Underutilized Lots Provide New Opportunities for Houston Neighborhoods

Empty lots and odd bits of underutilized land are hallmarks of urban life in Houston. Here are four spots that are ripe for change.

You Can Now Visit Houston's Trails Without Leaving Home (But You Probably Should)

A new partnership means more than two dozen of Houston's parks and trails are now available via Google Street View.

Houston in Flux: Understanding a Decade of Bayou City Development

This report quantifies, visualizes and analyzes new construction and demolition in Harris County between 2005 and 2015.

Houstonians Want to Live in Walkable Communities. Often, That Doesn't Happen.

The findings suggest huge numbers of Houstonians want to live in a different type of community but have been unable to do so.

Cities Need to Change the Way They Examine Rising Sea Levels

New research suggests cities need to adapt a new way of modeling -- or else prepare for the consequences.

City Underwater: A Collection of Drone Footage of this Week's Houston Floods

Aerial footage offers a new vantage point for understanding the water's impact.

Sprawl Beyond Zoning

Some critics say zoning creates sprawl. But if that's the case, how do you explain Houston?

In Defense of the Urban Freeway

Many of the people who choose to live downtown actually work in the suburbs. Ironically it's the much-maligned urban freeway system that makes this lifestyle possible.

As Cities Encourage Pedestrians and Biking, Another Trend Emerges: More Deaths

Communities have done a great job encouraging residents to walk and bike more. But they're struggling to keep those same residents safe on the streets.

California's New Model for Growth? "Mashable" Metros, With Transportation Options

It won’t be cars or transit; it won’t be houses or apartments; it won’t be downtowns or malls. It’ll be a mashup that gives residents options.

Phoenix, Houston, and the Rest of the Sun Belt Cities Are Misunderstood

Cities across the South and Southwest have a reputation for being unsustainable. Maybe it's time to rethink that label.